District Report Card Reaction
Last fall, Wilmot Union High School District’s report card was released and our “grade” was not what we had hoped. So, the question must be asked “what has the district done about it?” After evaluating the report card and our internal data we determined our main problems are the disparity in achievement between regular education students and our students with special needs in math and literacy and our math scores overall. In order to address these two issues we are doing the following:
1. During the 2016-2017 school year we transitioned more students with special needs into regular education classrooms. To support this change, we had eight regular education/special education teaching teams supporting those students in the regular education classrooms. We also provided training, which will continue for this year, for the teachers as they embark on the team teaching.
2. To support the transition I just referenced we also are adding the following positions starting in 2017-2018:
a. Math Coach, whose responsibilities will include working with our math teachers to ensure the needs of all learners are being met.
b. Literacy Coach, whose responsibilities will include working with our English teachers in the same manner the math coach is working with the math teachers. Additionally, this coach is also our Reading Specialist and will be able to work with the entire faculty on literacy strategies in every content area.
c. Program Support Teacher, whose responsibilities will include working with the special education teachers as they transition to team teaching roles, and working with students and families on Individual Education Plans for the students.
3. Starting in the 2016-2017 school year and continuing into this year, our math teachers are participating in professional development that will ensure all teachers are equipped with the necessary tools for reaching all learners.
We have a strong, dedicated faculty willing to do what is right for all of our students. With the proper training and support, they can make it happen.